Electrical connection means



y 1943- c. s. PENFOLD 2,318,649

ELECTRICAL CONNECTION MEANS Filed March 29, 1959 7/ j P j FIG. 3

INVENT OR Patented May 11, 1943 2,318,649 I ELECTRICAL CONNECTION MEANS Charles S. Penfold, Bronson, Micln, assignor to V H. A. Douglas Manufacturing 00., Bronson, Mich., a corporation of Michigan Application March 29, 1939, Serial No. 264,830

16 Claims.

This invention relates generally to electrical connection means, known in the trade as line connectors, which are adapted to receive conductor terminals.

The principal object of this invention is to provide improved electrical connection means, and more particularly a connector which is preferably comprised of two members, an outer tubular sleeve of insulating material, and an inner metallic insert or circuit continuing member adapted to receive the conductor terminals.

One particular object is to provide a connector in which the parts thereof may be easily and quickly assembled without the aid of special tools.

Another object is to provide improved means whereby to lock the insert in place within the sleeve of insulating material, and the permanency of the locking action is more completely established or assured when terminals are associated with the metal insert.

A still further object of the invention is to provide resilient extensions on the insert member whereby to increase the contact surface or area between the insert and the terminals so as to avoid as much as possible the millivolt drop.

Other objects and advantages of the inven-' tion will appear hereinafter.

In the drawing accompanying this specification and form ng a part of this application, there is shown for the purposes'of illustration, one of the many forms which the invention may assume, and in the drawing:

Figure 1 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of th invention, clearly showing the parts of the connector assembled;

F'gure 2 is a partial sectional view of a part of the assembly shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a surface development, showing more in detail the design and construction of the insert or circuit continuing member;

F gure 4 is a sectional view taken substantially on l re 6-4 of Figure 3, showing certain details;

lindrical recess 4 adjacent each side of the an- Figure 5 is a partial sectional view of the consome suitable insulating material, such as phenolic condensate, and 2 represents the insert or metallic circuit continuing member, which is also preferably tubular in form.

The sleeve is preferably made cylindrical in nular portion. Said portion 3 is provided with a circular aperture of a diameter slightly less than the diameters of the recesses 4, and communicates with the latter. The arrangement is such that a pair of spaced apart shoulders or abutments 5 are provided. In other words, the base of each recess 4 is provided with a shoulder, and communication between said recesses is established by the provision of an aperture extending through a restricted portion or partial partition between said recesses.

As clearly shown, the diameter of the aperture in the portion 3 is preferably slightly greater than the diameter of the insert, so as to more or less snugly receive the intermediate central portion of the insert, and the recesses are of such a size to permit free action or movement of the opposite substantially free extremities of the insert.

Referring particularly to the development and section shown in Figures 3 and 4, the insert is preferably made rectangular in shape and includes a central body portion 6. A pair of oppositely disposed laterally projecting wing portions or blade-like legs 1 and 8 are provided ad- .iacent one extremity or end of portion 6, and a pair of wing portions 9 and I0 corresponding to the portions 1 and 8, respectively, are provided adjacent its other extremity. Adjacent each side of the insert, there is preferably provided a substantially T-shaped opening in order that each extremity of the insert takes substantially the form of a letter T.

The T-shaped opening, adjacent one side of the insert, includes a transverse recess II which intersects the side margin and a substantially rectangular slot 12, which slot extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of 'the insert. As a result of this opening, the wing portion 1 is provided with a substantially rectangular continuation, extension, or tongue I 3, and the wing portion 9 with a similar tongue M. The continuatlons or tongues l3 and I4, as clearly shown, lie opposite and extend outwardly and angularly toward each other, and provide means whereby to lock the insert within the sleeve. The base of each tongue is preferably provided with a projection or cam l9, which extends inwardly of the insert in a direction opposite to that of the free extremities of the tongues. The purpose of the cams l9, and function of the tongues, will be described later.

The other or opposite side of the insert, is preferably provided with a T-shaped opening, including a recess I and a slot Ii, which substantially correspond in shape and size to the recess I I and slot I2, respectively, above referred to, and a a result. the wing portions 8 and III are provided with continuations or tongues I1 and I8, respectively. These tongues are preferably bent inwardly in a direction opposite to that of the tongues I3 and I4, and the purpose of these tongues will be described later. The tongues I1 and I8 herein shown, are of a width slightly less than the width of the tongues I3 and I4, but it is to be distinctly understood that they may be of the same or of a greater width than the tongues II and II, and the same applies to thelatter tongues. Since the metal insert is preferably constructed of some desirable resilient material, it is obvious that all of the continuations or tongues II, II, II, and II, are of a resilient character: and in any event, the shape and size of the various tongues are of such a character that they perform the functions intended.

When the insert is rolled up into substantially tubular cylindrical form, as shown in Figure 6, the portions 1 and I provide a receptacle 20, and the portions 9 and III, a receptacle 2|. Each receptacle is adapted to preferably resiliently receive and retain a conductor terminal of the plug conductor type, such as 23, located in receptacle 20, as shown in Figure 1. In view of the fact that certain portions of the insert are interrupted by the T-shaped openings, the receptacles and II are normally operable independently of each other so that insertion or withdrawal of a terminal with respect to one receptacle will not. in any way, substantially effect the insertion or release of a terminal with respect to the other receptacles. Also, the recesses 4 above referred to, provide sumcient clearance to permit the receptacles to expand without interference.

The plug conductor 23 is provided with a cylindrical portion 24, having a detent groove or cove 25 intermediate its extremities. The entrance end 26 of each terminal i preferably frustro-conlcal, and the opposite end or skirt 2! is substantially cylindrical, and of a diameter slightly greater than the remaining portions of the terminal, so as to provide among other things, a sleeve to receive the insulation on the conductor.

A pair of inwardly extending detents 28 are provided on the insert for cooperation with the detent, coves or grooves of the terminals. Each detent 28 is preferably formed by cutting out a portion of the insert as at 28, and thereafter deforming a margin of the aperture so as to provide a lip 30, which is adapted to bite into the groove 25 of a terminal. Obviously, detents of a character different than those just described may be employed, and may be otherwise disposed, for example, adjacent the marginal side edges of the insert, but in any event. it is desirable that each detent be located at a point to engage the groove in a terminal when the terminal is moved to its innermost position within the insert, such position being predetermined by the skirt portion 21 of each terminal engaging an end of the insert. In other words, the skirt provides a stop to predetermine the position of the groove with respect to a detent.

As above referred to, one object of the invention is to provide improved means whereby the sleeve and insert may be easily and quickly assembled without the aid of special tools, and such assembly is accomplished by first inserting one extremity of the insert into one of the recesses 4 of the sleeve and the aperture provided in the annular or restricted portion 3. Further insertion will cause one of the preformed resilient tongues, for example II, to be contracted by en-' gaging and riding over the annularportion 3, until the extremity of the tongue passes the shoulder or abutment I, whereupon said tongue It will snap outwardly substantially into engagement with said abutment. Each abutment is preferably undercut as shown, in order to more fully insure that the extremities of the locking tongues will be caught in place. The other tongue I4 is adapted to substantially engage the other abutment to provide a stop in order to predetermine the location of the tongue I3, with respect to the abutment it is adapted to engage. As clearly shown, the space between the free extremities of the tongues I3 and I4 is slightly greater than the longitudinal extent of the annular portion 3 of the sleeve; and the tongues and the restricted portion 3 are so constructed and arranged with respect to each other that the ton8ues securely lock the insert in place and prevent vibration between the sleeve and the insert. Also. it is apparent that either extremity of the insert may be inserted into either of the recesses 4 for assembly with the sleeve, and that in either event one or the other of the tongues l3 and I4 is adapted to provide a stop to predetermine the position of the tongue that happens to be contracted and expanded.

In order to further insure an improved lock or positive connection between the sleeve and insert members, it has been found desirable to provide each of the continuations or tongues Iland I4 with the projection or cam I9, above referred to, so that when a terminal is inserted into each of the receptacles 20 and 2|, the frustro-conical or tapered portion 26 of each terminal will engage a cam and urge the tongue outwardly into engagement with the inner wall of a recess 4 for better engagement with one of the abutments 5-. as shown in Figure 1. In other words, the cams I9 provide additional or auxiliary means for sup plementing the locking action first established. This figure also shows the position of tongue it before it is depressed by a terminal.

As previously mentioned, each of the receptacles 20 and 2| is preferably of tubular cylindrical form, and adapted to resiliently engage the cylindrical portion of the terminal, but in order to obtain additional contact area between the terminals and the insert, or in other words decrease the millivolt drop, the continuations or tongues II and I8 are provided and adapted to resiliently engage the portion 26 of the terminals, as clearly shown in Figure 2. Obviously, the insert might well be provided with resilient portions other than the tongues I1 and I8 for increasing the contact area; also, if found desirable, the tongues I1 and I8 may be entirely omitted, especially in view of the fact that the projections or cams I9 on the tongues I3 and I4 assist to increase the contact area between the terminals and insert to materially reduce the millivolt drop.

It should also benoted that all of the tongues above referred to also assist to press the coves or grooves of the terminals into cooperation with the detents 28 provided in the base portion 8 of the insert.

In view of the foregoing, it is apparent that improved means are provided whereby the electrical connection means of the character above referred to, may be easily and quickly assembled together without the use or special tools; that means are provided whereby to increase the contact area between the terminals and insert, and means whereby to more completely establish a satisfactory lock or connection for securing the insert and sleeve together. Moreover, it is evident that the receptacles of the insert are substantially operable independently of each other, and that the length of the outer sleeve of insulating material is of such a length that its extremities project beyond the, skirt portions of the terminals, in order to prevent the skirt portions of the terminals from coming in contact with some metal object and avoid a possible short circuit.

Having thus described my invention, it is obvious that various immaterial modifications may be made in the same without departing from the spirit of the invention; and, therefore, I do not wish to be understood as limiting myself to the exact form, construction, arrangement, and combination of parts herein shown and described.

I claim:

1. Electrical connection means, including a tubular member of insulating material, an abutment provided within the confines of said memher, an insert member arranged within said tubular member, the opposite extremities of said insert member providing receptacles adapted to engage conductor terminals, oppositely disposed portion, an insert member having tubular recep-.

tacles for receiving conductor terminals insertable through either end of said member to a predetermined position therewithin, projecting resilient means extending from each receptacle toward each other provided adjacent one side of said insert engaging said inner portion for locking said, members together, and angular resilient means provided adjacent the ther side of said insert for resiliently engaging said conductor terminals. 7

3. Electrical connection means, including a one piece tubular member of insulating material having a restricted intermediate inner portion, an insert member having split cylindrical tubular portions for receiving and resiliently retaining conductor terminals arranged within said tubular member, tongue means provided on said insert engageable with said inner portion. for locking said members together, and cam means provided on said tongu means engageable by said terminals providing additional means supplementing the locking action produced by said, look ing means.- a

4. Electrical connection means, including a tubular memberof insulating material having an abutment disposed therein, an insert member having curved movable portions for receiving and resiliently retaining conductor terminals ar ranged within said tubular member, resilient means provided on said insert engaging said abutment for locking said members together, and angular resilient means provided on said insert, said locking means and said last angular resilient means being constructed and arranged to engage portions or said terminals .not engaged by the i said curved portions or, said insert.

5. A split tubular current conducting member, and a slot and a recess interrupting'one side of said member to provide a pair of spaced apart re- 1 silient tongues projecting laterally from one side of the material from which the tongues are formed and angular-1y toward each other for locking the member with respect to a support.

6. Electrical connection means, including a tubular member of insulating material, an abutment provided within the confines of said member, a split tubularinsert member adapted to receive conductor terminals arranged within said tubular member of insulating material, means providedon said insert engaging said abutment for locking said members together, detents provided on said insert adapted to cooperate with said terminals assisting tohold the terminals in place, and cam means on said insert which when engaged by said terminals tend to expand said insert member.

7 In an electrical connctor for association with a conductor having a terminal, the combination of an outer body having an-opening therein, a contact adapted to be received in said opening and to interlockingly receive said terminal,

said contact being of split-tubular form, means including a bendable finger adjacent one meeting edge of said contact for cooperating with said terminal, and means including a. second bendablev finger adjacent the other meeting edge 01' said contact for'interlocking with said outer bodyto hold said contact in place therein, said outer body having a holding part extending laterally inwardly into said opening for interlocking with said second mentioned bendable finger, and said second bendable finger being adapted to snap past a and into interlocking engagement with said holding part during movement of said contact into said body.

8. In an electrical connector for association with a pair of terminals, the combination of an outer body having a bore extending therethrough," 1

said body having a holding part extending radially into said bore. intermediate the ends thereof and defining axially spaced shoulders, a contact of split tubular form received in said bore, said contact having a plurality of bendable fingers arranged in axially spaced relation adjacent the outer body having a bore extending therethrough,

said body having a holding part-extending radially into said bore intermediate the ends thereof and defining axially spaced shoulders,'-a contact of split tubular formrcceived in said bore, said contact having a painof axially spaced bendable fingers adjacent each'meeting edge tliereof, two of said bendable fingers being arranged to interlock behind the respective said shoulders so as to hold said contact inplace, and the "other two said fingers being arranged to yieldingly'engag'e said terminals when the latter are introduced into said contact.

10. 'In a device of the class described, the combination of an insulating body having an opening therein, a contact adapted to be received sub-' stantially entirely within said opening, and having a conductor engaging part adapted for connection to a conductor and having. spreadable portions adapted to receive a plug conductor ter-' formed on at least one of said portions and adapted to snap past and engage behind said shoulder means during insertion of said contact into said opening, said contact being adapted to be sprung by the introduction of a plug terminal between said spreadable portion so as to augment the holding relation between said abutment and said shoulder means, and said contact having means between said part and said portions and engageable with said shoulder means to limit movement of the contact into the body.

11. In a device of the class described, the combination of an insulating body having a pair of spaced contact receiving openings formed therein and connected together by a recessed saddle portion having shoulder means adjacent thereto and spaced inwardly from outer faces of the body, a contact adapted to be received substantially entirely within said openings and having spaced terminal receiving and .conductor receiving portions connected together by a bridge portion and disposed respectively in said openings, said terminal and conductor receiving portions being so disposed that the terminal and conductor adapted to be connected thereto enter: the openings, said terminal receiving portion being constituted by a pair of spreadable blade-like legs, one end whereo! is outwardly turned to form a resilient finger which engages the wall of a corresponding opender formed within said recess, a terminal engaging contact positioned substantially entirely in said recess, said contact having a terminal receptacle portion and a conductor engaging portion joined together by an intermediate connecting portion, said receptacle and said conductor engaging portion being so disposed that the terminal and conductor adapted to be connected thereto enter the recess, a stop provided adjacent said intermediate connecting po tion between said conductor engagin portion and said receptacle,

said receptacle portion being constituted by spreadable blade-like legs formed to receive a plug-like terminal between them, said connecting portion being seated upon said shoulder with the stop engaging same to limit movement of the contact into said body, and means carried by one of said legs and engaging shoulder means with which said recess is provided to permit a snap entry of the contact into the body but to prevent movement of the contact out of the body.

13. In a device of the class described, the combination of an insulating body having a pocket therein, and a contact received substantially entirely in said pocket, said contact having conductor holding and terminal receiving portions arranged within said-pocket, said conductor holding portion being arranged to receive an end of a conductor projecting into said pocket so that said conductor end lies wholly within and is substantially concealed by said pocket and said terminal portion being constituted by a pair of spreadable blade-like legs arranged to receive a terminal member projected into said pocket between said legs, said contact having a stop part between said portions and said pocket having a shoulder against which said stop part seats to limit movement of the contact into the body, at least one or said legs having an abutment part thereon which seats against a shoulder with which the body is provided to limit movement 01' the contact out 01' the body, said contact being yieldable to permit at least one of said parts to snap past its cooperating shoulder during an entering movement of the contact into the body.

14. The structure defined in claim 3, in which: the tubular member is split and the longitudinally extending marginal edges defined by the split are arranged in generally parallel relation; the means projecting from said resilient portions are disposed adjacent one of the longitudinal marginal edges of the insert member; and the additional resilient portions projecting laterally of the insert are disposed adjacent the other longitudinal marginal edge of said insert member.

15. The structure defined in claim 4, in which: additional means are provided adjacent said one side of said insert member for resiliently engaging said conductor terminals.

16. The structure defined in claim 15 in which: the shoulder means provide holding surfaces; the contact includes a single piece of metal folded back upon itself so that it defines the conductor engaging part and the spreadable portions form a receptacle adapted to receive the plug conductorterminal; the spreadable portions have corresponding portions which are integrally joined together and which receive the plug conductor terminal between them; the spreadableportions extend from the conductor engaging part and have areas intermediate the ends thereof for engagement by said terminal; at least one 01' said spreadable portions has at an end thereof remote from its junction with the other spreadable portion an outwardly turned portion which constitutes the means engageable' with one of the said holding surfaces constituting the shoulder means to limit movement of the contact relative to the body in one direction; the contact further includes a portion constituting the abutment engageable with another holding surface of the shoulder means to limit movement of the contact relative to the body in another direction; and at least one of said last two mentioned portions are yieldable so as to enable said contact to be inserted into said body with a snap action during which insertion said one portion snaps over and behind its said holding surface.

CHARLES S. PENFOLD.

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION.

Patent No. 2,518,6 9. May 11, 1915.

CHARLES S. PENFOLD.

It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows: Page 14., second column, line 25, for "claim 5" read --c1aim l-; line 55, for "claim )4" read --claim 2; line 59, for "claim 1'5" read --claim lO--; and that the said Letters Patent should be read with this correction therein that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Office.

Signed and sealed this 10th day of August, A. D. 1915.

Henry Van Arsdale, I

(Seal) 1 Acting Commissioner of Patents. 

